Working with the local community and our partners, we've identified that improvements need to be made to Hemlington.

The estate was built in 1970 but poor estate layout and design along with an over supply of flats and little investment has caused a lack of popularity in some parts of the estate.

To understand your issues and concerns, we recently talked to as many residents living on the estate as we could. Erimus Housing tenants were invited to community group meetings and area housing forums and open events were held throughout the area.

Over 150 responses were collected which identified concerns in a limited number of specific local areas. That's why we opted to develop a master plan approach to tackle the issues raised.  Consultants Nathanial Litchfield partners carried out extensive surveys, which confirmed that some form of intervention was needed to make the area a nicer place to live in.

THE AIMS AND OUTCOMES OF THE HEMLINGTON MASTER PLAN

The aim of the Hemlington Master Plan is to regenerate the estate by reducing the numbers of flats in the Earls Court and Dodsford areas by selective demolition of flats, plus flat conversions and altering the tenure mix through property sales.

Findings from the consultation revealed residents' main issues were that there are lots of unoccupied properties on the estate, particularly in the Earls Court and Dodford areas, and too many one bedroom flats. Concerns were also raised about high levels of anti-social behaviour and the environmental upkeep of the estate such as litter and grass cutting.  

Options for the flats, along with any environmental improvements, were costed and assessed for viability and value for money.

OUTCOMES:

• The conversion of 112 ‘one up, one down’ flats into 56 houses
• The sale of 41 newly converted homes
• Environmental improvements
• The modernisation of 52 flats
• The demolition of 48 unpopular flats

Our newly converted homes will contain three and four bedrooms and will be for rent and for sale. They will include:

Three and four bedroom accommodation with ensuite

• New fully fitted kitchen
• New bathroom, ensuite to master bedroom and ground floor toilet
• Full electrical rewire
• New double glazed windows, new external and internal doors
• Highly efficient heating boiler with new radiators and thermostatic radiator valves
• New internal walling, softwood door frames and skirting boards
• Newly plastered walls and redecoration
• External improvements to the property
• New on-site car parking were possible
• Reconfigured party lines with new fencing

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Our team will carry out further consultation events with residents on the estate and you will also be given the opportunity to look around our new show home and give us your views. Members of the regeneration team are currently speaking to tenants affected by the changes on the estate - if you think you fall into this category and would likem to have your say, please contact Erimus Housing on 773600.